The Ohio Assembly can have bills in process across all committees in both the House of Representatives and Senate. Here is a list of the bills the LPO political team are tracking.
If you are aware of a bill in committee that you would like to see added, reach out.
Items with icons have been reviewed on whether they align with the Libertarian Party of Ohio Platform and/or National Libertarian Platform.
✅ Aligns and passed by House/Senate
✔️ Aligns, still in committee
❌ Does not Align
Check on Recent Bill Activity.
- ❌ HB324 Enact the Patient Protection Act
The Patient Protection Act prohibits the sale of certain drugs that cause severe adverse effects in more than five percent of users. It requires prescribers to conduct in-person examinations, inform patients about the risks, and schedule follow-up appointments before prescribing such drugs. The director of health is tasked with determining which drugs meet these criteria and must maintain a public list of these drugs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on the sale and prescription of drugs, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. It limits individual choice regarding health decisions and increases government control over medical practices, which is contrary to both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over personal health decisions
- Potential for reduced access to necessary medications
- Impediments to the doctor-patient relationship
- ❌ HB323 Require employers to report sexual assault re: minor employees
The bill requires employers to report suspected sexual assault involving minor employees and mandates a training program for employers to recognize and report such incidents. Employers must provide this training to new employees within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with the reporting requirement or training provision results in penalties. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional reporting requirements and training mandates on employers, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy in employment matters. While it aims to protect minors, the enforcement mechanisms may infringe on employer rights and responsibilities.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government oversight of employer-employee relationships
- Potential for overreach in defining reporting obligations
- Liability concerns for employers regarding compliance
- ❌ HB322 Enact the Ohio Fitness Test Act
The bill requires schools in Ohio to administer the Presidential Fitness Test to students in grades one through twelve. It mandates that the Department of Education and Workforce establish the fitness test and provide awards for students based on their performance. Each school district and community school must comply with this requirement annually. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes a government-mandated fitness test on students, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and parental rights regarding education. It represents increased government control over educational practices, which is opposed by both the Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of Ohio.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential infringement on parental rights
- Standardization of student assessment may not reflect individual needs
- ❌ HB321 Revise Unemployment Compensation Law
HB321 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to increase the taxable wage base under the Unemployment Compensation Law and mandates that employees of contributory employers pay a contribution when their employer has a negative account balance in the Unemployment Compensation Fund. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over employment and taxation by mandating contributions from employees based on employer account balances, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual freedom in economic matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased financial burden on employees
- Potential for reduced employment opportunities due to higher costs for employers
- Encouragement of government dependency on unemployment funds
- ❌ HB320 Require registration as a member of a political party for primary
HB320 requires electors to register as members of a political party to participate in that party's primary elections. It amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to establish this requirement and outlines the process for determining party affiliation based on voter registration applications and voting history. The bill also includes provisions for updating voter registration information and maintaining the statewide voter registration database. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on voter participation by requiring party affiliation for primary voting, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of individual freedom and minimal government interference in personal choices. This aligns with the LPO's opposition to federal overreach and support for individual rights, but the bill's enforcement of party affiliation limits personal liberty and choice.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over political participation
- Potential disenfranchisement of independent voters
- Encouragement of political polarization
- ❌ HB32 Designate Celebrating Disabilities Month
This bill designates the month of July as 'Celebrating Disabilities Month' in Ohio. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not directly align with core Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention, as it establishes a government-sanctioned observance. However, it does not significantly infringe on individual rights or economic freedoms, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government involvement in social issues
- Could set a precedent for more government-designated observances
- ❌ HB319 Enact the Clinical Teaching Subsidy Reform Act
The bill establishes the Clinical Teaching Subsidy Reform Act, which mandates the chancellor of higher education to distribute a clinical teaching subsidy to public medical schools in Ohio. The subsidy allocation is based on student enrollment and performance metrics related to the retention of physicians in the state. Public medical schools are required to report on the use of these funds and their outcomes annually. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government funding and oversight of public medical schools, which conflicts with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market education. It imposes performance metrics and reporting requirements that may infringe on the autonomy of educational institutions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over education
- Potential inefficiencies in fund allocation
- Dependence on state funding for medical education
- ❌ HB318 Revise the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program Law
The bill amends the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program Law to allow the Ohio Department of Medicaid to seek recovery of costs for Medicaid services from the estates of individuals who are permanently institutionalized or aged 55 and older, with certain exceptions for spouses and dependents. It also establishes conditions under which liens may be imposed on the property of Medicaid recipients and sets forth criteria for waiving recovery due to undue hardship. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over individual estates and property rights through the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program, which conflicts with the LP and LPO principles of individual rights and property ownership. It imposes financial obligations on estates that may infringe on the rights of individuals and their families, particularly in the context of government intervention in personal financial matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over individual estates
- Potential financial burden on families of Medicaid recipients
- Erosion of property rights
- ❌ HB317 Prohibit purchase of drones made by a covered foreign entity
The bill prohibits public entities in Ohio from purchasing or acquiring small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities, specifically those from China or Russia. It also restricts the use of state funds for such purchases and mandates that public entities cease operation of these drones by May 1, 2027. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes restrictions on the purchase and operation of drones based on their country of origin, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of free markets and individual choice. It limits the ability of public entities to engage in commerce freely, aligning poorly with both LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over market choices
- Restricts individual and organizational freedom to choose products
- Potential for increased costs due to limited supplier options
- ❌ HB316 Designate MSGT Norman Michael Kilbarger Memorial Highway
This bill designates a portion of Chillicothe Lancaster Road in Fairfield County as the 'MSGT Norman Michael Kilbarger Memorial Highway' and authorizes the director of transportation to erect suitable markers indicating its name. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio, as it involves government action to designate a memorial highway, which may be seen as an unnecessary use of state resources and government involvement in naming public spaces.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public naming conventions
- Potential misuse of state resources for non-essential projects
- ❌ HB315 Designate Sojourner Truth Day
This bill designates May 29 as 'Sojourner Truth Day' in Ohio, recognizing the contributions of Sojourner Truth. It enacts a new section in the Revised Code to formalize this designation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the core principles of the Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Ohio as it involves government action to designate a commemorative day, which may be seen as unnecessary government involvement in cultural recognition.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potentially increases government involvement in cultural matters
- May set a precedent for further government designations
- ❌ HB314 Limit certain public record requests; allow contractor response
The bill amends section 149.43 of the Revised Code to restrict harassing or disruptive public records requests and allows private contractors to respond to voluminous public records requests. It defines what constitutes a public record and outlines the conditions under which certain records may be withheld from public access. The bill also establishes procedures for public offices to manage requests and the costs associated with fulfilling them. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill limits access to public records, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of government transparency and individual rights to information. While it attempts to manage disruptive requests, it may also restrict legitimate inquiries, thus undermining the Libertarian emphasis on personal liberty and government accountability. The LPO's platform also emphasizes limited government intervention, which is partially aligned but still raises concerns about the bill's implications for transparency.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potentially limits legitimate public access to information.
- Could create barriers for journalists and citizens seeking transparency.
- May lead to abuse of discretion in determining what constitutes 'harassing' requests.
- ❌ HB313 Create a grant program for pro-housing political subdivisions
The bill establishes a grant program for townships and municipalities that adopt pro-housing policies, specifically targeting projects that provide affordable housing for households earning between 60% and 100% of the county's median income. Eligible entities must implement at least three specified pro-housing policies to qualify for grants, which will be distributed annually based on applications received. The program includes funding for various housing development initiatives and mandates that a portion of the funds be used for specific purposes related to housing support. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes government intervention in housing markets through grants and mandates for pro-housing policies, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize the importance of individual property rights and oppose government regulations that interfere with market dynamics.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over housing markets
- Potential for cronyism in grant distribution
- Encouragement of dependency on government funding
- ❌ HB312 Designate the walleye as the official fish of the state
The bill designates the walleye (sander vitreus) as the official fish of the state of Ohio. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill does not align with the Libertarian principles of limited government and individual liberty, as it involves government designation of a state symbol, which is seen as unnecessary government action. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize minimal government intervention.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Encourages unnecessary government involvement in cultural matters
- May set a precedent for further symbolic legislation
- ❌ HB311 Designate EMS week in Ohio
This bill designates the third full week of May as 'EMS week in Ohio' to recognize and celebrate the contributions of emergency medical services personnel. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill establishes a government-sanctioned observance, which may be seen as an unnecessary expansion of government involvement in public life, conflicting with the principles of minimal government intervention upheld by both the LP and LPO.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in public observances
- Potentially diverts resources from more critical issues
- May set a precedent for further government designations
- ❌ HB310 Create the Ironton Fighting Tigers license plate
The bill creates the 'Ironton Fighting Tigers' specialty license plate, requiring applicants to pay a $30 contribution, which will be deposited into a license plate contribution fund. The funds will be allocated to the Ironton city school district for scholarships and athletic department support. The bill also includes provisions for the issuance of the plates and associated fees. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill involves government action to create a specialty license plate and allocate funds, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free market solutions. It also imposes fees on vehicle registration, which contradicts the Libertarian Party's stance against taxation and government spending.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government involvement in personal choices
- Imposes additional fees on citizens
- Potential for misuse of funds allocated to schools
- ✔️ HB31 Require electronic recordings of all parole board hearings
The bill requires electronic recordings of all parole board hearings and mandates that these recordings be made public records. It specifies who is entitled to receive these recordings and outlines the conditions under which personal identifying information of victims is protected. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes transparency in government proceedings, which aligns with the Libertarian emphasis on government accountability. However, it may conflict with individual privacy rights as it mandates public access to recordings that could contain sensitive information. The LPO's support for limited government intervention aligns with the bill's transparency goals but raises concerns about potential overreach in privacy matters.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential violation of individual privacy rights
- Increased government surveillance and control over personal information
- Misuse of public records by third parties
- ❌ HB309 Regards budget commissions, property tax, and certain funds
HB309 amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to county budget commissions, property taxation, and the distribution of local government and public library funds. It modifies the processes for calculating and certifying funds payable to school districts and establishes requirements for tax budgets and levies by subdivisions. The bill also allows for alternative methods of apportionment for public library funds, subject to approval by local authorities. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government control over budgetary processes and taxation, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual property rights. It also imposes requirements on local governments that may limit their autonomy, opposing the Libertarian emphasis on free markets and local governance.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over local budgets
- Potential for reduced local autonomy
- Imposition of additional taxation requirements
- ❌ HB308 Regards multiple claims as the rightful county central committee
The bill amends section 3517.05 of the Revised Code to require any organized group claiming to be the rightful county central committee to file a list of its officers and members with the board of elections. The state central committee must then determine which committee is recognized as the rightful one within thirty days of receiving the certification. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes additional requirements on political party committees, which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual autonomy in political organization. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and personal freedom, suggesting that this bill could be seen as an unnecessary regulation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over political party organization
- May discourage grassroots political participation
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiency
- ❌ HB307 Enact the Lead Line Replacement Act
The Lead Line Replacement Act establishes a program for the replacement of lead service lines in Ohio, requiring public water systems to identify and replace all lead service lines within fifteen years. It includes provisions for financial assistance, customer reimbursement, and the establishment of a drinking water assistance fund to support these efforts. The act mandates public water systems to submit replacement plans and provides guidelines for prioritizing replacements and managing costs. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government mandates on public water systems and requires financial contributions from customers for lead service line replacements, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and individual property rights. Both the LP and LPO platforms emphasize limited government and personal responsibility, which this bill undermines.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over private property
- Potential financial burden on customers
- Mandated compliance may lead to inefficiencies
- ❌ HB306 Enact the Hate Crime Act
The bill enacts the Hate Crime Act, which prohibits hate crimes based on specific characteristics or beliefs, including political affiliation, race, religion, and others. It establishes civil remedies for individuals terrorized by such acts and allows for civil actions against violators, with potential penalties including damages and attorney's fees. The bill also amends existing laws related to ethnic intimidation. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill conflicts with Libertarian principles by expanding government intervention in personal interactions and speech, which may infringe on individual rights and freedom of expression. It establishes legal consequences for actions based on perceived characteristics, which can be seen as a form of government overreach.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for government overreach in regulating speech and personal interactions.
- Increased legal liabilities for individuals based on subjective interpretations of actions.
- Possibility of misuse of the law to suppress free expression.
- ❌ HB305 Enact Logan's Law
HB305 establishes penalties for trafficking in pressed pill fentanyl, requiring a death certificate to indicate if a death is caused by fentanyl poisoning. It amends existing laws related to drug trafficking and specifies penalties based on the amount of the drug involved and the circumstances of the offense. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes strict penalties for drug trafficking, which conflicts with Libertarian principles advocating for personal liberty and the decriminalization of drug use. It also establishes mandatory minimum sentences, which the LPO opposes as an abuse of state power.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over personal choices regarding drug use.
- Potential for overreach in law enforcement actions related to drug offenses.
- May lead to increased incarceration rates without addressing underlying issues.
- ❌ HB304 Permit certain activities fulfill PE requirement; require recess
The bill permits high school students to fulfill their physical education requirement through participation in club sports or other athletic activities, and mandates that K-8 students receive recess time of at least thirty minutes each school day, except on days when they attend physical education classes. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill supports parental rights in determining educational activities for their children and promotes physical activity, aligning with the Libertarian emphasis on personal responsibility. However, it also involves government mandates which may conflict with the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention in education.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over educational requirements
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in implementation
- Mandated recess may not align with all school schedules or needs
- ❌ HB303 Establish community energy program and pilot program
The bill establishes a community energy program and pilot program in Ohio, defining community energy facilities and their operational parameters. It allows township trustees to prohibit or limit the construction of such facilities and mandates the Public Utilities Commission to certify community energy facilities and oversee the pilot program. The bill includes provisions for consumer protections, bill credits for subscribers, and requirements for decommissioning facilities. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government involvement in energy markets and establishes regulatory frameworks that may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and free markets. It imposes restrictions on property rights and introduces state oversight in energy production, which contradicts the Libertarian emphasis on individual rights and free market solutions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over energy production
- Potential for cronyism and favoritism in facility certifications
- Restrictions on property rights related to energy facilities
- ❌ HB302 Establish age verification, parental consent for apps, developers
The bill establishes age verification and parental consent requirements for developers and application distribution providers of certain applications, specifically targeting those that provide different experiences for minors and adults. It mandates that application distributors request age declarations from users, provide parental controls, and ensure that minors cannot access adult-only content without parental consent. Violations can result in civil penalties enforced by the attorney general. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government regulations on technology and communication, which conflicts with the Libertarian Party's principles of personal liberty, freedom of expression, and minimal government interference. It restricts individual rights by requiring age verification and parental consent, which undermines the autonomy of both developers and users. The Libertarian Party of Ohio also opposes government overreach and regulation that limits personal freedoms, aligning with the low score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government control over technology and communication
- Potential for overreach in enforcement and penalties
- Infringement on individual privacy and autonomy
- ❌ HB301 Enact the Digital Fair Repair Act
The Digital Fair Repair Act requires original equipment manufacturers to make documentation, parts, and tools available for the diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of digital electronic equipment to both independent repair providers and owners on fair and reasonable terms. It prohibits manufacturers from using mechanisms that prevent the installation or functioning of non-manufacturer approved parts and establishes penalties for violations. The act does not apply to certain categories of equipment, including vehicles and medical devices. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill promotes consumer rights and access to repair services, aligning with the Libertarian principles of individual rights and free markets. However, it introduces regulatory requirements for manufacturers, which may conflict with the Libertarian emphasis on minimal government intervention in the market. Both LP and LPO platforms support free markets and oppose government mandates, leading to a mixed alignment score.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased regulatory burden on manufacturers
- Risk of unintended consequences affecting market dynamics
- Possibility of legal challenges from manufacturers
- ❌ HB300 Prohibit conversion therapy for minors by certain professionals
The bill prohibits certain licensed health care professionals from engaging in conversion therapy for minor patients, defining conversion therapy as efforts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Exceptions include providing support for individuals transitioning or offering sexual orientation-neutral interventions. Violations may result in sanctions such as suspension or revocation of licenses. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill restricts the practices of health care professionals regarding minors, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of personal liberty and self-ownership. Both the LP and LPO emphasize individual rights and oppose government interference in personal relationships and decisions.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential infringement on parental rights
- Limitation of professional autonomy for health care providers
- Increased government regulation of mental health practices
- ✔️ HB30 Phase-down the state income tax to a flat rate of 2.75%
The bill proposes to amend the state income tax code to phase down the state income tax to a flat rate of 2.75% over two years. It applies to individuals, trusts, and estates earning or receiving income in Ohio, with specific provisions for taxable business income and exemptions. Adjustments to income amounts are prohibited during the phase-down period. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill aligns with Libertarian principles by reducing the state income tax, which supports economic liberty and individual financial autonomy. However, it still maintains a tax structure, which prevents a perfect alignment with the LP's goal of abolishing income tax altogether. The LPO's higher score reflects its strong opposition to state income tax and support for reduced taxation.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Potential for increased government dependency on other forms of taxation.
- May not fully eliminate the income tax as desired by Libertarians.
- ❌ HB3 Enact the School Bus Safety Act
The bill enacts the School Bus Safety Act, designating August as 'School Bus Safety Awareness Month' and creating a school bus safety fund to provide grants to school districts for improving safety features on school buses. It establishes penalties for violations related to stopping for school buses and outlines the administration of the grant program by the Department of Education and Workforce. The bill also includes provisions for public education on school bus safety laws. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill increases government regulation and funding for school bus safety, which may conflict with Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and fiscal restraint. It imposes penalties for violations, which could be seen as an expansion of state control over individual behavior. This would cause significant government involvement in education and safety regulations, which are generally opposed by both the LP and LPO platforms.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increased government spending
- Potential for overreach in enforcement of safety regulations
- Expansion of government control over education
- ❌ HB299 Require licensure of statewide initiative petition circulators
HB299 requires statewide initiative petition circulators to be licensed by the Secretary of State. The bill outlines the application process for obtaining a circulator license, including requirements for personal information and notarization. It also establishes penalties for violations related to petition signing and circulator qualifications. (Introduced In House) Legislature reference...- The bill imposes government licensing on petition circulators, which contradicts the Libertarian principles of minimal government intervention and personal freedom. It restricts the ability of individuals to engage in political processes without state oversight, conflicting with the LP and LPO's advocacy for reduced government control and increased personal liberties.
- Risks and Concerns:
- Increases government control over political processes
- Restricts individual rights to participate in initiatives
- Creates barriers to entry for grassroots movements
Ohio House Bills with summary.
Ohio Senate Bills with summary.
For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of all bills, please refer to the official Ohio Legislature website.